Childhood Photos Of Celebrities From Before They Made It Big

Some people have such strong public personas, that it’s sometimes difficult to imagine them as anything but the poised and polished images they cultivate as megastars, politicians or athletes they are today.

But everyone was a kid at some point, and back when they were children, they didn’t know they’d one day millions of people would look up to them and follow them online and in the media. Back then, they were just kids being kids, and when their parents took candid, unpolished pictures of them, they gave us a chance to experience them in as truthful and authentic a way as possible.

So, let’s take a look at some of our favorite celebrities – and see them like we’ve never seen them before.

Gal Gadot

Having broken box office records – and the internet – with her now-iconic performance as Wonder Woman as part of the DC Extended Universe film franchise, Gal Gadot is one of Hollywood’s hottest stars today.

But this stunning actress couldn’t have grown up farther away from the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. Growing up in faraway Israel, Gadot was a self-professed tomboy. Excelling at basketball, thanks to her height – nearly 6 feet tall! – Gadot’s first jobs included babysitting around her neighborhood and working at the local Burger King.

After winning the Miss Israel Beauty Pageant, Gadot’s career truly took off, and she landed her first film role in The Fast and the Furious shortly thereafter… but not before she completed her military service.

Kate Hudson

Unlike some of the people on this list, Kate Hudson was a sort of celebrity from the moment she was born. The daughter of Academy Award winner Goldie Hawn – and the step-daughter of Kurt Russel – it seems Hudson was destined to be Hollywood royalty.

But despite her family ties, as she grew up, she was determined to make it on her own merit – and she turned into a talented and sought after actress all on her own.

Lady Gaga

Looking at this photo, it’s not difficult to see how this little girl, named Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, grew up to be the Mother Monster, Lady Gaga.

Lady Gaga was always interested in fashion, music and art, and started writing and performing at a very young age. She later went on to write several hit songs for pop artists like Britney Spears, before she decided to strike out on her own, becoming the pop legend we all know and love today.